#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1901-02-12

Hello, my lovely tutu-loving friends! Emma here, back with another whirl through time to explore the fascinating history of ballet tutus. Today, we’re travelling back to February 12th, 1901 - just imagine, the turn of the century, and oh the excitement of new beginnings! Let's get those time-travel tutus ready and jump aboard!

As my trusty time-travel train pulls into a London station, the air buzzes with the energy of a burgeoning new era. Electric lights are beginning to illuminate the city streets, but gaslights still cast their soft, warm glow on cobblestone alleys, creating a truly romantic atmosphere. I'm dressed for the occasion, of course, in a delightful pale pink tulle tutu that swishes with each step I take - it’s just so practical, and elegant!

It's an extraordinary time for the world of ballet. We are on the cusp of the early 20th century, and dance is embracing an era of change. Gone are the cumbersome, heavy layered skirts of the Romantic era, replaced by lightweight, flowing tulle - perfect for showcasing the intricate footwork and breathtaking leaps of ballerinas.

Speaking of footwork, on this day in 1901, one of the greatest ballerinas of all time, Anna Pavlova, is taking the stage at the Alhambra Theatre in London! I've been lucky enough to secure a seat in the opulent box, the velvety plush red velvet so welcoming after a long train journey. The lights dim and a hush falls over the audience, as we prepare for a magical journey of grace and artistry! Oh, I love that hushed feeling of anticipation before the curtain rises, so wonderfully theatrical.

The tutu in the 1900s is a far cry from the "pancake" style we see on stage today. Imagine a slightly shorter version of a Romantic-era tutu, just below the knee - it’s still billowing, soft, and creates a breathtaking image on stage. Think of delicate layers of tulle, perfect for twirling and leaping!

We are smack-dab in the middle of the Classical era of ballet. This is a time of elegance and poise, and the tutu reflects this beautifully. While we still see the occasional dramatic performance in a slightly longer tutu (just think of the famous "Swan Lake" black swan act!), the shorter tutu reigns supreme - a true celebration of fluidity and speed, perfect for showcasing the leaps and turns that we all adore.

The early 1900s was a time when fashion and art started blending, a delicious fusion. The new “classical” tutu wasn’t just found in theaters - it started to seep into fashionable circles. Think of all those graceful, flowing skirts of the time - I like to think the tutu’s influence can be seen in them!

Of course, this didn't mean that pink wasn't fashionable, or indeed a fashionable colour for tutus - pink is truly timeless! While black and white ruled the stage at this time, there’s no reason why ballerinas wouldn't have sported a pop of pink in the rehearsal room. A delicate touch of blush tulle here, or a whisper of pale pink ribbon there, for that touch of elegant femininity!

### A Bit of Theatrical Glamour

Oh, there’s just something magical about attending a ballet performance, especially one like the Alhambra Theatre's. The stage lights glisten on the tulle and glitter on the ballerina's costumes, adding that final touch of glamor and magic. This era of ballet is about more than just dancing - it’s a whole theatrical experience!

We get caught up in the emotion of the story unfolding onstage, and that’s part of what makes a ballet performance so captivating. It's not just about dancing; it’s a journey into another world, another time - pure theatrical magic!

Next Tuesday, we'll journey back to the 18th Century! The inspiration for this little journey came while admiring the sumptuous detail in the dresses of a play I saw last night in the theater, the story told in both dance and words - it really got my imagination churning! And guess what I'm doing? - going for a dress-fitting for a costume for the play this weekend, how exciting, a new theatrical adventure! So join me again next week for a deeper dive into the tutu history of ballet. And remember, if you are feeling a little extra, do try wearing your favourite tutu - I dare you! #TutuTuesday #PinkTutu!